Strengthening EU Border Regions Resilience

This project aimed at enhancing disaster risk management in border areas, addressing the increasing complexity of both natural and human-made disasters amplified by climate change. It sought to refine tools for managing cross-border risks affecting multiple countries. The project assessed risks in border regions, reviewed existing management agreements and processes, identified gaps, and highlighted best practices. Successful examples will be used as case studies for other regions.
The initiative covered 43 internal land borders, 4 maritime borders, and 6 borders in EU candidate countries, focusing on 12 types of risks, including natural disasters, health-related issues, and man-made hazards.
OPIX acted as the country expert for Greece, conducting extensive desk research and interviews with key stakeholders to assess the tools, processes, and governance structures in the border areas with North Macedonia and Bulgaria. The research also focused on identifying best practices and challenges in disaster risk management and cross-border cooperation. Additionally, it analyzed gaps in the current legal and institutional framework and explored available funding for enhancing civil protection. Based on the insights gathered through interviews, OPIX outlined recommended actions at the EU, national, regional, and local levels to foster joint action, solidarity, and resilience in these areas. The findings also included proposals for new policy initiatives and legislation.